ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Anti Microbial Resistance Crisis
Government of India has given due cognizance to the problem of Antimicrobial Resistance . Ministry of Health and Family Welfare  has initiated various activities for containment of AMR as under :-
- National Action Plan for containment of Antimicrobial Resistance  was launched on 19th April, 2017, involving stakeholders from various ministries / sectors.
- National Programme on Containment of AMR was initiated during the 12th Five Year Plan. National Centre for Disease Control  coordinates this programme. Under the programme National AMR surveillance network of state medical colleges, labs have been established in order to generate quality data on AMR for seven priority bacterial pathogens of public health importance using WHONET software.
- III. National Guidelines on Infection, Prevention and Control in Healthcare facilities were released in Jan, 2020. These guidelines have been shared with various stakeholders across the country to be used in training modules for country-wide trainings in a systematic manner.
- IV. Under the programme, NCDC conducts AMR surveillance through a network of 30 state medical college laboratories in 25 states. The network is expanded across the country in a phased manner.
- Indian Council of Medical Research  coordinates another AMR surveillance network of 20 laboratories located in tertiary care centres  in the country.
- VI. Antimicrobial stewardship  activities: In order to promote rational use of antibiotics among the healthcare providers, a series of sensitization and training workshops have been organized in different healthcare facilities in the country for the benefit of the practicing clinicians. Standard treatment guidelines developed by NCDC for rational use of antibiotics have been made available to clinicians across the country.
- To create awareness among the public about AMR, various IEC activities like quiz competition in schools, participation in Perfect Health Mela, poster & quiz competition for healthcare workers at NCDC and the sites included in the NARS-Net during World Antibiotic awareness each year have been conducted to raise awareness about AMR. IEC material  to raise awareness about AMR and to prevent misuse of antibiotics has been made available on the website of NCDC for use by the States-UT governments and other stakeholders.
As per Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, draft notification on emission and discharge standards for Bulk Drug and Formulation  Industries was notified on 23.01.2020. According to the ministry, thirty five suggestions were received from the associations, NGOs, individual experts and industry. Stakeholders consultation were made. Necessary information and research is not available for prescribing the appropriate norms for limiting the concentration of antibiotics, monitoring and compliance verification and testing protocols for effluents discharged from pharma industry.
The Minister of State , Sh. Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.
Ministry of Home Affairs
“Women are catalysts of change”: Union Home Minister
The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh has said women are the catalysts of change in our society. Addressing the gathering after giving away the Young Women Achievers Awards 2017-18, organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry , here today, Shri Rajnath Singh said a country cannot rise if half its population remains unequal. No force can stop India’s emergence as a developed country with such a vast capable, efficient and talented women workforce, he added.
Citing the provision of 33% reservation for women in the Police Forces, the Union Home Minister said their representation in the CAPFs is increasing at a fast pace now. He said the Government has effected several structural and procedural changes to encourage women entrepreneurship. Shri Rajnath Singh said the Government has directed maximum institutional financing facilitating loan approvals for Women, Dalits, Backward and weaker sections. With women empowerment, a New India will emerge in five years, he added.
Prime Minister's Office
PM expresses grief over the tragedy due to fire in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief for the families affected due to the fire tragedy in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. The Prime Minister has also said that the state government and local administration are engaged in relief and rescue work with full readiness.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"हिमाचल प्रदेश के कुल्लू में हुआ अग्निकांड अत्यंत दुखद है। ऐतिहासिक मलाणा गांव में हुई इस त्रासदी के सभी पीड़ित परिवारों के प्रति मैं अपनी संवेदना व्यक्त करता हूं। राज्य सरकार और स्थानीय प्रशासन राहत और बचाव के काम में पूरी तत्परता से जुटे हैं।"
Ministry of Finance
Inflation During 2017-18 Averaged to the Lowest in the Last Six Years
Inflation in the country continued to moderate during 2017-18. Consumer Price Index based headline inflation averaged 3.3 per cent during the period which is the lowest in the last six financial years. This has been stated in the Economic Survey 2017-18 placed in Parliament today by the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley .
The decline in the inflation was broad-based across major commodity groups except Housing and Fuel & Light. The Headline inflation has been below 4 per cent for twelve straight months, from November, 2016 to October, 2017 and CPI food inflation averaged around one per cent during April-December in the current financial year, says the Survey.
The Survey observes that the economy has witnessed a gradual transition from a period of high and variable inflation to more stable prices in the last four years. Headline inflation measured by the CPI has remained under control for the fourth successive year. In fact the decline in the inflation in the first half of the current fiscal year was indicative of a benign food inflation which ranged between  2.1 to 1.5 per cent. . Survey says “This has been possible due to Good agricultural production coupled with regular price monitoring by the Government.”
However, the rise in food inflation in recent months is mainly due to factors driving prices of vegetables and fruits. In rural areas while food was main driver of CPI inflation during 2016-17, in urban areas housing sector has contributed the most to inflation in the current financial year. If we a look at state-wise inflation during 2017-18, many states have witnessed sharp fall in CPI inflation. Inflation in 17 states was below 4 per cent, during the period. This has been possible due to various efforts made to contain inflation at various level by the Government, says the Survey.
Ministry of Tourism
Ministry of Tourism has developed thematic tourist circuits under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme to increase the tourist footfall: Shri G. Kishan Reddy
The Ministry of Tourism has taken following steps to attract and increase the tourist footfall to various tourism destinations including the heritage sites in the country.
• Ministry of Tourism has developed thematic tourist circuits under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. Heritage circuit has been identified as one of the thematic circuits for development under the scheme.
• Development of integrated tourism infrastructure at religious and heritage sites has been undertaken under the National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive  Scheme.
• Development of tourist amenities at tourist sites, heritage sites and monuments to make them tourist friendly by enhancing overall tourist experience under Adopt a Heritage programme.
• Promoting India as a holistic destination including various tourism destinations and products under the Incredible India brand line.
• Launched Dekho Apna Desh initiative in January 2020 with the objective of promoting various tourism destinations including the lesser known destinations and heritage sites of India among the citizens.
• Domestic and Overseas Indiatourism offices promote tourism destinations and heritage sites thorough various promotional and marketing activities/ events.
This information was given by Minister of Tourism Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
PIB Headquarters
Participatory Management Councils to play crucial role in fisheries management
The participatory management councils, one of the new amendments of Kerala Marine Fisheries Regulation Act , will play a crucial role in revamping the fisheries management system in the state, according to experts. Marine scientists who spoke at the workshop on scientific management of marine fisheries, Kerala held at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute  observed that the proposed management councils will ensure involvement of all the stakeholders including fishermen in management and policy formation in the sector.
Dr Sunil Mohamed, Principal Scientist at the CMFRI said the councils would open a platform for dialogues and discussions to take decisions on a particular issue in democratic way. “This participatory management will address the requirements for sustainability, equity and efficiency in fisheries and coastal resources management.
The participatory management council, which was included in the amendment of KMFRA following a proposal from the CMFRI, will be functioned as a 3-tier system– village, district and state. The council will have representations of fishermen, government officials, boat owners, boat builders, fish traders, NGOs, scientists, etc.
Through the implementation of these councils, fishermen would be empowered to become active members of the fisheries management team, balancing rights and responsibilities, and working in partnership rather than antagonistically with the government, Dr Sunil Mohamed said.
He also said that intensive public awareness is requited to effectively implement Minimum Legal Size  regulations to curb juvenile fishing. “Consumer awareness is crucial in implementing the MLS regulation properly”, he said adding that implementing the same would increase the economic efficiency of the fishery besides affording protection to juvenile fishes and allowing them to grow in weight and length.
During his introductory remarks, Venkatesha Pathi, Director of Fisheries said scientific approach is essential for a better fisheries management in Kerala. “The fisheries department has allocated special funds for adaptive research in this regard”, he said. The two-day workshop is organised by the department of fisheries.
Dr T V Satyanandan, Dr Leela Edwin, Dr T M Najmudeen, Dr Dinesh Cheruvattu, Ignatius Mandro and Thajudheen spoke on the occasion.
Fisheries department officials from all the districts are attending the workshop which will conclude on Wednesday.
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Ministry of Women and Child Development
Improving Nutritional Levels under Poshan Abhiyan
POSHAN Abhiyaan seeks to convert the agenda of improving nutrition into a Jan Andolan involving panchayati raj institutions/village organizations, etc. Jan Andolan aims to address the issue of malnutrition through behaviour change by adopting a convergent approach.
For alleviation of malnutrition including the problem of wasting, Government has taken measures to strengthen nutritional content, delivery, outreach and outcomes with focus on developing practices that nurture health, wellness and immunity to disease and malnutrition. Steps have been taken to improve nutritional quality and testing in accredited labs, strengthen delivery and leverage technology to improve governance. Government has advised States/UTs to ensure that the quality of supplementary nutrition conforms to prescribed standards laid down under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and regulations made there under. States/UTs have been advised to promote use of AYUSH systems for prevention of malnutrition and related diseases. A programme to support development of Poshan Vatikas at Anganwadi centres to meet dietary diversity gap leveraging traditional knowledge in nutritional practices has also been taken up.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Finance
FM hands over restituted 12th Century Buddha statue to Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, Culture Minister
Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman handed over 12th Century Buddha statue, which was stolen 57 years ago and finally traced at an auction in the United Kingdom , to Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, Union Minister of State  of Culture, here today . Shri Ajay Bhushan Pandey , Revenue Secretary , Senior officers of Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, Ministry of Culture , Archaeological Survey of India and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence were present on the occasion.
The 12th Century AD Bronze image of Buddha seated in the Bhumipasara mudra was amongst the 19 bronze images/statues stolen from the Archaeological Survey of India’s  Nalanda site museum in August 1961. After a gap of nearly 57 years, in early 2018, the image was spotted by Art enthusiasts at an auction organised by a London based dealer.
On receipt of the information, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence  through its attaché posted in High Commission of India, London, UK took up the matter with the ASI, UK Customs and London Metropolitan Police. The ASI confirmed the findings and provided documentary evidence including FIR filed in 1961. International Council of Museums  also inspected the image and confirmed that it is the same as the one stolen from Nalanda in 1961.
The Police investigations revealed that the statue changed hands several times before eventually being consigned to a London dealer for sale. Once it was confirmed that the Buddha statue was the same as that stolen from India, both the dealer and the consignor co-operated with the police and decided to return the sculpture to India. UK’s Cultural Department  was contacted to facilitate the same through the Metropolitan Police Art and Antiques Unit. The India Pride Project, an online volunteer group of Art enthusiast, played an active role in identification of the idol. The statue was restituted to India and was handed over to the DRI.
President's Secretariat
President’s greetings on the eve of Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind in his message on the eve of Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba has said: -
“On the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Chetti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens.
Traditionally, these festivals mark the onset of New Year and the warmer months and they reflect values of prosperity and well being. Let the spirit of joy and happiness signified by these festivals pervade the heart of every Indian.
May these festivals strengthen the bonds of love and affection in our society as well as the spirit of fraternity among people across the nation”.
Click here to see the President's message in Hindi
Ministry of Finance
Government launches a one-time settlement Scheme Vivad se Vishwas – II  to effectively settle pending contractual disputes, as announced in the Union Budget 2023-24
Last date for submitting claims under the scheme is 31.10.2023
The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, has launched the scheme, “Vivad se Vishwas II – , to effectively settle the pending contractual disputes of government and government undertakings. The scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24 by the Union Finance Minister.
In Para 67 of the Union Budget speech, Union Finance Minister and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman had announced:-
“To settle contractual disputes of government and government undertakings, wherein arbitral award is under challenge in a court, a voluntary settlement scheme with standardized terms will be introduced. This will be done offering graded settlement terms depending on pendency level of the disputes”
The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, had issued an order on 29.05.2023 indicating detailed guidelines of the scheme. The last date for submission of claims is 31.10.2023.
Cases satisfying the following criteria will be eligible for settlement under this scheme:
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Status of dispute
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The award shall have been issued upto the following date
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Arbitral Award passed
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31.01.2023
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Court Award passed
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30.04.2023
The scheme will apply to all domestic contractual disputes where one of the parties is either the Government of India or an organisation working under its control.
Under the scheme, for Court Awards passed on or before 30.04.2023 the settlement amount offered to the Contractor will be up to 85% of the net amount awarded/ upheld by the court.
For Arbitral Awards passed on or before 31.01.2023, the settlement amount offered is up to 65% of the net amount awarded.
Government e-Marketplace  has developed a dedicated web-page for implementation of this scheme. Eligible claims shall be processed only through GeM. For non-GeM contracts of Ministry of Railways, contractors may register their claims on IREPS .
The details of the scheme are available on the website of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure.
Ministry of Science & Technology
Finding clues to how stars explode due to neutrinos
Swarna Jayanti Fellow Dr Basudeb Gupta’s study could help understand how neutrinos play a role in star explosions
Also makes insightful contributions towards identifying the particle nature of dark matter
Upcoming experiments may be able to probe their theory and shed light on the almost century old conundrum-- how do stars explode?
Scientists may soon find a clue to how stars explode due to neutrinos, one of the most abundant particles in the universe.
These sub atomic particles are extremely difficult to detect because of their limited interactions with matter. However, they are very important to the study of supernovas or powerful luminous stellar explosions, because they power the explosion and provide an early warning signal that allows scientists to look in the right direction before the supernova explosion takes place.
Dr. Basudeb Dasgupta, Associate Professor in the Department of Theoretical Physics Tata Institute of Fundamental Research at Mumbai, is one of the 21 recipients of this year’s Swarna Jayanti Fellowship of the Department of Science and Technology  who aims to understand the basic physics of how the quantum state of the neutrino evolves, the astrophysics of how neutrinos affect the exploding star, and how we can experimentally detect these neutrinos and decode the information they carry with them. His work published in the journal ‘Physical review D’ focuses specifically on the effect of so-called fast flavour conversions, which occur at a rate proportional to the neutrino density in the star and affects each of these three issues.
Dr. Dasgupta has played a leading role in understanding collective neutrino oscillations in dense astrophysical environments. He and his students identified a simple model that shows these faster oscillations and proved that it is almost identical to a much simpler problem that can be solved exactly-- a ball rolling down a hill whose slope increases as the cube of the horizontal distance travelled. They have also shown how these oscillations lead to mixing of all the neutrinos, which may have major consequences for how neutrinos deposit heat inside a supernova. Upcoming experiments may be able to probe their theory and shed light on the almost century old conundrum-- how do stars explode?
Dasgupta has also made insightful contributions towards identifying the particle nature of dark matter. This includes theoretical ideas as well as experimental strategies to test the ideas. His most recent works present remarkable neutrino and positron-based constraints that disfavour the possibility that minuscule black holes from the Big Bang may contribute significantly to the still unidentified dark matter.
His work has had a palpable impact, and last year he was awarded the prestigious International Centre for Theoretical Physics Prize, in honour of Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, by the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste.
[Publication link:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.97.023017
For more details Basudeb Dasgupta  can be contacted.]
Ministry of Textiles
Subsidy on Cotton plucking Machines
The Cotton Corporation of India  provides 100 per cent subsidy on 300 plucking machines. It had distributed 300 hand operated Kapas Plucker Machines to the cotton farmers in three major cotton growing states of Telangana, Gujarat and Maharashtra and is promoting the usage of these machines among cotton farmers through awareness meetings and print media for helping them in reducing the cost of cultivation of cotton. The beneficiary farmers were selected through baseline surveys by officials of Agricultural Produce Market Committee , Directorate of Agriculture, State Agricultural Universities and village panchayats for identification of the area, village and cluster of villages.
This information was given by the Minister of State of Textiles, Ajay Tamta, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Science & Technology
New Delhi to Host First “Global Bio-India 2019” Summit from 21st - 23rd November
The Global Bio-India 2019, one of the largest biotechnology stakeholders conglomeratewill be held for the first time in India at New Delhi from 21st to 23rd November, 2019. Announcing this at a Curtain Raiser in Delhi today, the Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said“India for the first time is hosting a mega event for the biotech community to attract investments, showcase our indigenous strengths and more importantly fuel the hopes and aspirations of the indigenous talent pool”.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Harsh Vardhan expressed India’s continued commitment in scientific research, its translation and commercialization and laid emphasis on how this event would be a huge opportunity to showcase India’s strength and build new partnerships and investment opportunities.
Echoing similar sentiments, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology , Dr.RenuSwarup stated "Biotech is one of the identified champion sectors in the Make in India 2.0. Our ambition for the event is to showcase the strength in the sector and let the world know India is the destination to invest”.
A brochure of GlobalBio-India2019 was also released at the Curtain Raiser.
The DBT, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India along with its Public Sector Undertaking, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council  is organizing this event.
The event has been structured to bring together stakeholders from 30 countries, 250 start-ups, 200 exhibitors. Central and State ministries, regulatory bodies, investors, totalling to 3500 participants is anticipated.
The event is expected to strengthen the indigenous research capabilities, bio-entrepreneurship, investments and last-mile-delivery of technology across rural India and tier-2, 3 cities.
It is noteworthy to point that Biotechnology is recognized as the key driver for contributing to India’s USD 5Tn economy target and is identified as one of the thrust areas for driving GDP growth of our country. India is positioned today at about USD51bn and is marching towards USD150bn.
The Summit assumes significanceas it is one of the largest biotechnology stakeholders conglomerate to be held in India for the first time.